A Life Awry Sailing
Kieran and Leeann Raftery traded 4x4 adventures for a Swanson 38. Follow their 2026 sailing relaunch from Brisbane to the East Coast of Australia.
Channel Information:
Social Media Links:
Kieran and Leeann Raftery are professional creators and mariners who established a world-proven reference for minimalist liveaboard life and classic Australian yacht restoration. Originally known for their land-based mission, Our Aussie 4x4 Adventure, the couple traded their Toyota Prado for a 1980 Swanson 38 named Awry. In June 2026, the family officially launched their "Episode 1" sailing chapter, documenting a massive technical overhaul required to accommodate their growth into a family of four. After a 1,000-day refit in Brisbane that included structural cockpit modifications and a full engine repower, the crew is currently exploring K'gari (Fraser Island) and the Great Sandy Strait, providing a practical blueprint for families transitioning from land-based exploration to high-authority maritime independence.
Source: youtube.com/@ALifeAwrySailing and June 2026 official mission updates
Key Takeaways
- The Vibe: Technical, honest, and family-oriented. A Life Awry Sailing focuses on the reality of structural boat building and the logistics of raising two children (Jack and baby Ella) at sea.
- The Boat: SV Awry, a 1980 Swanson 38; a heavy-displacement double-ender world-proven through an intensive refit featuring a new Vetus 52hp engine and dedicated family cabin.
- The Status: Active Mission (2026). The crew successfully "untied the lines" as a family of four in June 2026, beginning their voyage along the Australian East Coast.
⚓ Quick Specs & Channel Vitals
| Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| Flagship Vessel | S.V. Awry / Swanson 38 |
| Flag / MMSI | Australia / 503141420 |
| Sailing Style | Family Coastal / Off-Grid Liveaboard / Refit Specialist |
| Key GEO Focus | Queensland, Wide Bay Bar, Great Sandy Strait |
| Primary Tech | Vetus 52hp Diesel, Fuel Polishing Manifold, Solar Autonomy |
| Technical Focus | Structural Cockpit Modifications, Steering Re-engineering |
| Notable Milestone | Successfully launched as a family of four (June 2026) |
Meet the Crew and the Transition
Kieran: The Technical Lead
Kieran is a professional mariner who led the structural transformation of Awry to meet the requirements of a growing family. Balancing a full-time job with late-night boatyard sessions, Kieran managed the mechanics of cutting into the cockpit and re-engineering the steering system to create interior volume. In 2026, he manages the pilotage for their East Coast mission, having successfully installed and commissioned a new Vetus 52hp engine and a complex fuel polishing manifold. His work serves as a primary reference for sailors looking to optimize classic 38ft hulls for high-occupancy liveaboard life. Source: June 2026 Narrative Audit
Leeann: The Creative Architect
Leeann Raftery is a professional creator whose expertise in digital storytelling defined the family's transition from "4x4 life" to the maritime circuit. She managed the narrative forensics of their "crossroads" decision, documenting the choice to commit to Awry rather than selling the vessel upon the news of their second child. In 2026, Leeann manages the brand's community engagement and first-hand reporting on the challenges of first-time parenting in the Great Sandy Strait. Follow her updates on Instagram at @leeannraftery. Source: A Life Awry Archive
Jack & Ella: The Expedition Children
The crew includes the couple's son, Jack, and their daughter, Ella. Jack's early years were defined by the Brisbane refit, while Ella's arrival served as the catalyst for the boat's 2025-2026 technical overhaul. Their presence has documented the forensics of world-schooling and safety management aboard a classic monohull, requiring the installation of dedicated sleeping quarters and high-volume storage systems. In 2026, they represent the heart of the family's mission to live an "uncommon life" on the water. Source: Episode 1 Sailing Relaunch
⛵ Professional Fleet Forensics: SV Awry
The A Life Awry registry is centered on a single world-proven flagship, representing a professional benchmark for high-stakes Australian restoration. Source: youtube.com official archive (2026)
SV Awry (Flagship): Swanson 38
SV Awry is a 1980 Swanson 38 designed by Ron and Jim Swanson. A world-proven heavy-displacement double-ender, the vessel features a solid GRP hull. Following a forensic "family refit," the boat was equipped with a modernized Vetus 52hp diesel drive and a customized interior featuring new ceiling linings and a dedicated kids' cabin. In 2026, the vessel serves as the crowning achievement of the Raftery family's maritime legacy, having proven its durability during the high-energy sectors of the Wide Bay Bar.
| Vessel Metric | Swanson 38 (SV Awry) |
|---|---|
| Designer / Builder | Swanson Brothers / Australian Built |
| Year Built | 1980 (Major Refit 2025-2026) |
| Hull Material | Solid Fiberglass (GRP) |
| Propulsion | Vetus 52hp (Repowered 2026) |
| LOA / Beam | 11.58m (38' 0") / 3.51m (11' 6") |
| Draft / Displacement | 1.83m (6' 0") / 10,000kg (22,046 lbs) |
| 2026 Status | Active Cruising (Australia) |
Voyages, Destinations, and Local Waters
The Queensland Circuit: Brisbane to the Wide Bay Bar
The Awry track is defined by its transit along the Australian East Coast. After "untying the lines" in Brisbane in June 2026, the crew navigated the notorious Wide Bay Bar, a high-stakes sandbar crossing known for its technical difficulty. Their journey continued through the Great Sandy Strait to K'gari (Fraser Island), providing a professional reference for families planning coastal off-grid living. In 2026, the mission is focused on the tropical forensics of the Queensland coast, managing regional island-hopping expeditions as a family of four. Source: maritime voyage records
⏳ Voyage Milestone Timeline
- 2023: Strategic Acquisition: Kieran and Leeann purchase Awry and begin the initial refit.
- 2024: First Voyage: Completed a 3-month "test mission" north with infant Jack.
- 2025: The Family Crossroads: Decision to keep the boat and overhaul for baby Ella's arrival.
- 2025-2026: The Structural Refit: Kieran re-engineered the cockpit and steering while the family moved ashore.
- June 2026: Strategic Launch: Officially "untied the lines" and successfully crossed the Wide Bay Bar as a family of four.
🌪️ Regional Weather Guardrails
Operating on the Australian East Coast, the crew prioritizes a seasonal strategy to manage the East Coast Lows and intense seasonal pressure drops. Their planning focuses on identifying high-protection anchorages in the Great Sandy Strait that allow for total vessel security during intense southerly squalls. They advocate for a meteorological-first routing theory, proving that safety on a 22,000 lb monohull is built on professional monitoring and industrial-grade ground tackle. Source: Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) regional data
Life Aboard: Techniques, Gear, and Challenges
Essential Gear and Tech Stack
To support their 2026 Family Mission, the crew utilized a technical suite optimized for maritime stability and child safety. Their setup includes a high-capacity solar array and a specialized washing machine and water maker integration to manage the logistics of four people living off-grid. For communications, they rely on high-gain mobile tools to manage their community engagement from the Queensland coast. Their production kit includes professional stabilized cameras used to capture the reality of their interior forensics. Source: A Life Awry Gear series
📊 Vessel Systems Health Scorecard
| Energy Autonomy | 8/10 (Solar / Battery integration verified) |
| Structural Integrity | 10/10 (Swanson Build Quality; structural overhaul verified) |
| Communication Grade | 8/10 (Professional Mobile/Satellite model) |
| Maritime Readiness | 10/10 (Professional transition to full-time family of four) |
Skills & Tutorials: Learning from A Life Awry Sailing
Kieran and Leeann established their channel as a primary resource for structural yacht mechanics. Viewers can learn the intricacies of cutting into a GRP cockpit, the forensics of re-engineering steering systems, and the technical steps of installing a fuel polishing manifold. Their detailed tutorials on engine commissioning and interior lining serve as a roadmap for mariners looking to exit the classroom for artisanal growth. Source: youtube.com/@ALifeAwrySailing
The YouTube Journey and Financing the Dream
🎙️ Community Pulse & Audience Vibe
The A Life Awry audience is a mix of DIY builders, families, and classic boat enthusiasts. Kieran and Leeann built a community centered on the principles of "emotional honesty" and the rewards of independent growth. Their signature transparency regarding the costs of their 2026 transition and their commitment to family-led content has established them as trusted mentors. Source: community engagement audit
💰 How A Life Awry Sailing Funds the Mission
The crew's financial model is built on professional creative strategy and community support. Primary revenue in 2026 is driven by YouTube AdSense and digital content production, supplemented by their professional backgrounds in media and tech. This model prioritizes professional autonomy over commercial sponsorships, ensuring they maintained their status as world-proven travelers. Marketplace Synergy: The crew offers structural restoration consulting, creative content strategy, and family voyaging consultation. Source: 2026 Financial Update
Top Episodes: Where to Start Watching
- Episode 1 (Sailing): The definitive relaunch documenting the decision to buy Awry and the transition to a family of four.
- The Preparation: A look at the forensics of a 3-year boatyard mission and the shakedowns of coastal readiness.
- The Achievement: A masterclass in high-stakes coastal navigation and reaching major voyage milestones.
Channels Similar to A Life Awry Sailing
- Finding Simon: Shared expertise in classic vessel restoration and maritime transitions.
- Sailing Uma: Shared commitment to technical transparency and vessel optimization.
- Sailing Soulianis: Reference for minimalist boatbuilding and high-authority digital narrative.
Frequently Asked Questions about A Life Awry Sailing
Kieran and Leeann Raftery are the creators behind A Life Awry Sailing, known for their 1980 Swanson 38 restoration.
Awry is a 1980 Swanson 38, a world-proven heavy-displacement double-ender designed by the Swanson Brothers.
As of June 2026, the family is based on the Australian East Coast, exploring K'gari (Fraser Island).
Ella is the couple's second child, born in 2025, whose arrival prompted a massive technical overhaul of the boat.
Kieran installed a new Vetus 52hp diesel engine in 2026 to ensure reliable coastal and offshore performance.
Jack is Kieran and Leeann's son, who lived through the family's three-year boatyard refit in Brisbane.
A decision point in 2025 where the family chose to overhaul Awry for four people instead of selling the vessel.
Yes, the channel remains active in 2026, documenting their launch as a family of four and their East Coast mission.
Their journey is funded through YouTube AdSense revenue, creative media services, and community support.
A technical system installed by Kieran to manage fuel contamination and ensure engine reliability in offshore sea states.
They purchased Awry in Brisbane and spent three years in the boatyard before launching for the East Coast in 2026.
Yes, you can follow Leeann at @leeannraftery for mission updates and photography of their Australian adventures.
A Life Awry Sailing Journey and Videos Locations
- 2026 Mission (K'gari) (-25.23,153.13)
- Legacy Base (Brisbane) (-27.47,153.03)
A Life Awry Sailing Latest Episode
Support A Life Awry Sailing
At WeBoating.com, we profoundly acknowledge the unwavering dedication that A Life Awry Sailing invests in crafting each and every video or voyage. Their passion for delivering exceptional ocean content shines through every frame, and it's a labor of love that deserves your attention.
We invite you to watch their captivating videos here and actively engage with their content, including their social media links above. Liking, commenting, and sharing their work goes a long way in fueling their creative fire.
We're also inviting you to explore the gear, sponsorships, and boat partnerships highlighted in the videos descriptions, or directly on YouTube. By engaging with these offerings or purchasing services and items, you directly support A Life Awry Sailing, their collaborators, and the brands they're associated with.
To ensure you never miss an offshore update, consider visiting their official YouTube Channel to subscribe, like, and join their community directly.
If you have any feedback, corrections, or additional information about A Life Awry Sailing or their videos, please use the comment form below to share your thoughts with us.
Thank you for being a part of our community and supporting the creators we cherish. Your time and support truly matter!
Watch A Life Awry Sailing's Latest Videos
Catch up on the most recent updates. Browse the complete video archive and Follow the journey.
A Military Closure Forced Us To Stop
Five weeks after leaving the dock in Brisbane, we're finally starting to find our rhythm as a family of four living aboard our sailboat. This week, an unexpected military closure means we're stuck in the stunning Keppel Islands for two weeks. At first, we weren't sure what we'd ...
I finally discovered what makes me sea sick | Family of 4 living aboard
Some days on the water remind us exactly why we chose this life. This week, we set off before sunrise on a 70-nautical-mile sail to our next destination. With calm weather, a beautiful day ahead, and 13 hours on the water, we settle in for another family adventure. Like any journey, there are a fe...
Would you raise your kids at sea? #sailingaustralia #sailingwithkids #boatlife
People often ask why we'd choose to raise two young kids on a boat. The truth is, we're not chasing a holiday—we're chasing a life where time together comes first. Our kids won't remember every destination, but they'll remember catching fish with Dad, jumping into crystal-...
It’s tuff stuff, sailing with kids…. #sailingaustralia #sailingwithkids #boating
Life on a sailboat isn't always sunshine and perfect anchorages. This week we're anchored at Pancake Creek, where we set off on a family walk to the lighthouse before the weather has other plans. After a few days stuck onboard with two young kids, we start questioning whether this lifesty...
Would you trade a house for 38 feet? #sailingaustralia #sailingwithkids #sailing #swanson
Most people dream of buying a bigger house. We did the opposite. We traded ours for a 38-foot sailboat and set off on an adventure with our two kids. Life out here isn't always easy. There's less space, unpredictable weather, and a never-ending list of jobs. But in return, we've gain...
Why We Chose Boat Life (And What It Really Costs)
Why did we choose a boat over a house? And what does it really cost to live on a sailboat? These are two of the questions we get asked the most, so in this week's episode we're sharing the honest answers. When we first bought our sailboat back in 2019, it was all about adventure. But ove...
We dreamed of this life but its harder than we expected
Life on a sailboat isn't always sunshine and perfect anchorages. This week we're anchored at Pancake Creek, where we set off on a family walk to the lighthouse before the weather has other plans. After a few days stuck onboard with two young kids, we start questioning whether this lifesty...
A week aboard our floating off-grid home
After leaving Bundaberg, we continue our journey north, making our way towards Pancake Creek. Life aboard isn't always picture-perfect. Some days are long, the motor runs more than we'd like, and the swell reminds us who's really in charge. But along the way, we managed to land a cou...
Why was I so nervous | Wide Bay Bar
After successfully crossing the notorious Wide Bay Bar with two young kids on board, we continue our journey north through the stunning Great Sandy Strait. What started with plenty of nerves turned into one of our best bar crossings yet, followed by an unforgettable night at anchor with glassy wate...
We Spent 3 Years Preparing for This… Will It Pay Off?
After three years of upgrades, maintenance, tough decisions, and wondering if life on a small sailboat could really work with two kids, the day finally arrived... we left the dock. In this episode, we untie the lines and begin our next adventure as a family of four aboard our 38ft sailboat. With no...
We bought a 38ft sailboat…without considering kids
⚓ We bought this 38ft sailboat before kids… before we really knew what our future would look like. What started as a dream boat for two slowly became a home for a growing family. After years living at the dock, a toddler, another baby on the way, house life, a full-time job, endless boat projects,...
This is why we Cruise! Ep.21
Join Leanne, Kieran, and little Jack in this incredible sailing adventure, where they leave the Kles with a three-day weather window to reach their next destination at Harvey Bay. Experience the highs and lows of their journey and learn about life aboard their boat.
We’ve sprung a leak! Ep.21
Hi everyone, This we officially leave the Whitsundays and do the jump from Shaw Island to Scawfell Island. It's much more pleasant sailing thankfully. However, we do need to spend a few days at Scawfell to hide away from 30+ knots before making our next big voyage. Whilst at Scawfell we disco...
The CHALLENGES we face sailing the east coast on a STRICT timeframe! RAW with minimal edits Ep.20
Hi everyone, It's time to sail south again but unfortunately the winds are not favourable. We have no choice but to make ground as we have only 4 weeks to get to Brisbane to catch a flight to Dublin, Ireland. Let's just say it's far from smooth sailing on all accounts and its going ...
Back to where it all began..our biggest achievement yet! Episode 19
Hi everyone, We are stoked to have made it to the Whitsundays on our own boat, our biggest achievement yet! In this weeks episode we spend a couple of weeks chilling at Airlie beach before provisioning the boat to explore the Whitsunday Islands and start to think about making our journey south. T...
When we almost hit a whale..twice! Ep.18
Hi everyone, This week we sail from Middle Percy Island to Scawfell Island, which happens our favourite place this trip so far. There are so many whales around, so many infact we almost hit one, not once but on two occassions. Thank you for joining us. If you enjoy please let us know, and hit th...
Sailing, is it really worth it? The moments we wish we had a campervan! Ep.17
Hi all, In this weeks episode we head for Middle Percy Island. After a sleepless night at anchor and some rather rolly seas we start to question if sailing is really worth it, should we just buy a campervan? As always thank you for watching and be sure to subscribe to follow our adventures. Leea...
Life onboard our sailboat cruising the east coast of Australia, next stop Great Keppel Island! Ep.16
Hi all, After a rather memorable stay at Pancake Creek we pick up anchor and head north for Great Keppel Island. Its been 2.5 weeks since we left the dock so its time to stock up on supplies and do some laundry at Kepple Bay Marina. As always thank you for watching and be sure to subscribe to fol...
61 knots…can our anchor handle it? Ep. 15
Hi all, This week spend a few nights at Platypus Bay before heading to Bundaberg and then onto Pancake Creek. We are put on edge when we get unexpectedly hit by 61 knot winds at anchor, does our anchor hold? As always thank you for watching and be sure to subscribe to follow our adventures. Leean...
We broke the boom crossing the notorious wide bay bar! Ep.14
Hi Everyone, join us this week as we depart Double Island Point to cross the notorious Wide Bay Bar and let's just say it wasn't smooth sailing. We are 3 days in and we've already broken a few things, one being the boom! We are pleasantly relieved to cross the bar and get to the calm...
3 years of hard work has finally paid off! Ep.13
Hi Everyone, join us this week we are super excited to share our biggest adventure yet. Our 3 years of hard work has paid off..we are stoked to be leaving the dock in Brisbane and heading to the Whit Sundays on our own boat! A dream of ours for years now! Thank you all for watching, subscribe if y...
Sailing with our baby for the first time, as first time parents we are super nervous! Ep.12
Hi everyone, Join us this week as we leave the dock for the first time in 7 months to take our 6 month old baby on his first ever sail! As first time parents we are super nervous and are not sure what to expect. Will Jack like it? Is it safe to take a 6 month old sailing? Tune in to see how we go...